MEDIA reports and numerous letters in the newspapers about animal cruelty have prompted social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye to call for the problem of animal abuse to be looked into.
In a statement issued to the press recently, Lee cited a recent posting in a video-sharing website where a stray dog was being killed in an inhumane manner in Batu Pahat.
"This year, we have seen several inhumane animal treatment cases in various parts of the country where stray animals were treated with no consideration to their welfare.
"Calls from animal welfare organisations to introduce amendments to the original Animal Act 1953 and the subsequent 2006 amendment Act have been brought up from time to time," Lee said.
He also said for almost 60 years, animal abusers have managed to get away with inflicting cruelty on defenceless animals by paying only a small fine, if found guilty.
"I applaud the efforts of animal welfare activists who have been championing the cause of animal welfare and working hard to draw the government's attention to introduce more effective legislation to put an end to animal cruelty.
He added that he understood the feeling of these activists as he has several pets of his own, of whom Lee regards as members of his family.
"It is sickening to see how some humans including the local authorities' untrained dog catchers ill-treat animals and inflict cruelty on the dogs," he said.
Lee further said the Veterinary Services Department director-general Datuk Dr Abdul Aziz Jamaluddin has revealed that his department is seeking an amendment to the Animal Act that will see an increase in the maximum fine of RM200 to RM50,000 imposed on animal abusers.
According to Dr Aziz, the proposed amendments have been presented to the Attorney-General Chambers for consideration.
"Deterrent punishment ought to be meted out against those involved in acts of cruelty and abuse to animals. Poor enforcement of an archaic law by the authority is largely responsible for the rise in animal cruelty," Lee said, adding that to put an end to animal abuse and cruelty, the public must be educated on animal abuse.
"In this regard, all animal owners have a responsibility to take good care of the animals that share our planet and are part of us. It is our moral duty to protect them from harm and abuse," Lee said.
He called for an Animal Welfare Act to be introduced in Parliament where all aspects concerning animal welfare can be looked into.
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